New figures reveal economic impact as Business Gateway celebrates 10 years in the Highlands and Islands

Business Gateway provides publicly funded local workshops, one-to-one support from business advisers, extensive online resources and expert support on topics including innovation, exporting, finance and new markets. Another key component of the service delivered is DigitalBoost – Scotland’s national digital business skills training programme.

The latest data released today shows that since the Business Gateway Highlands and Islands network opened in 2009, the service has:

• Contributed to the creation and safeguarding of over 7300 jobs
• Supported almost 6100 start-up businesses

Enabled over 22,000 people to attend free workshops about every aspect of starting, managing and growing a business.

Highlights recorded across the network’s six Business Gateway offices throughout the past ten years include:

• Over 6000 people in the Highlands benefitted from free workshops
• Over 4500 existing business supported in Argyll and Bute
• Over 500 new jobs created in Orkney
• Over 250 new businesses supported in Shetland
• A record 72 start-up businesses supported in the Outer Hebrides in 2018/19
• 51 per cent of start-up businesses in Moray are now female led, compared to 35 per cent in 2009

Steven Heddle, Chair of the Business Gateway Board, said: “These figures demonstrate the crucial role that the Business Gateway service, managed and delivered by Local Authorities as part of their wider business support, plays in driving growth, skills, regeneration and sustainable communities across the Highlands and Islands.

“Since the Business Gateway network in the Highlands & Islands was established in 2009, we have seen the economic and business landscape change rapidly and dramatically. Throughout this time, Business Gateway local offices have delivered a comprehensive and accessible support service to thousands of new and existing businesses across this vast and beautiful landscape.

“Business Gateway has established itself as a key player in delivering Scotland’s Economic and Digital Strategies and ensuring that SMEs across the Highlands & Islands are equipped with the skills needed to drive inclusive economic growth and create new jobs for local people.

“Looking ahead, Business Gateway will continue to work in collaboration with a wide variety of partners, including Scottish Government and Highlands & Islands Enterprise, to help identify the missing pieces and provide the best advice and support to Scottish businesses.”